Main menu

GM exec sees room for Subaru BRZ/Scion FR-S fighter

May 5, 2013

The prospect of an affordable, lightweight, rear-wheel drive sports car in the mold of the Chevrolet Code 130R is something we're willing to speculate wildly about. Photo by Chevrolet

Chevrolet unveiled two stylish concepts at the 2012 Detroit auto show. One, the Tru 140S, was a bit of a poser -- its exotic looks belied its hypothetical low price point and its front-wheel-drive underpinnings.

The boxy red Code 130R, on the other hand, had the potential to be dynamite. GM projected that, if produced, it would take the form of a compact, lightweight rear-wheel-drive sports car that you could drift off the dealer lot for around $20,000. In other words, a Detroit-bred Subaru BRZ/Scion FR-S fighter.

But we haven't heard much about a production version of the Code 130R since -- until now. Last week, GM North America president Mark Reuss told Automotive News that he sees a spot for such a car in Chevrolet's future lineup. According to Reuss, the Code 130R garnered “really strong” feedback from younger potential buyers (that pesky demographic that supposedly isn't all that interested in cars).

According to Reuss, a rear-wheel-drive offering from the General would ditch the styling of the Code 130R, which he said is by now a bit dated. Further, he suggested that such a car would not sit on the same Alpha platform that underpins the Cadillac ATS -- though another source at GM recently indicated a lightweight Alpha-based prototype already exists.

We're not sure how far into the future Reuss is looking, but we're glad he revived the topic. If this is GM's way of testing the waters, take note: We're interested.

Between the BRZ/FR-S twins and the offspring of the Alfa Romeo/Mazda partnership, we're already looking at a bright future for entry-level sports cars. We certainly wouldn't complain if a Detroit automaker or two threw a contender into the ring.

Graham Kozak
- Graham Kozak drove a 1951 Packard 200 sedan in high school because he wanted something that would be easy to find in a parking lot. He thinks all the things they're doing with fuel injection and seatbelts these days are pretty nifty too.
See more by this author»